Most Roosevelt dimes are worth only 10 cents… but a few extremely rare varieties have sold for $8,400 up to $23,500 at major auctions.
These tiny coins often slip through your hands unnoticed — meaning your pocket change could be hiding a treasure.
Here’s your simple, step-by-step guide to identifying high-value Roosevelt dimes.
🏆 Top 3 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Ever Sold
These are real auction results — and they show just how valuable a small dime can be.
🥇 1. 1951 Proof Silver Dime (PR68)
💰 Auction Price: $23,500
Why It’s Valuable
✔ Ultra-rare Type 1 Deep Cameo proof
✔ Only a few dozen exist in high-grade PR68
✔ Struck in 90% silver, adding intrinsic metal value
How to Identify This Coin
• Bright mirror-like fields ✨
• Frosted portrait and design details
• No “S” mint mark (Philadelphia proof issue)
🔎 Pro Tip: Tilt the coin under strong lighting — proofs show sharp cameo contrast that regular dimes do not.
🥈 2. 1972-S Proof Clad Dime (PR70)
💵 Valued Around: $8,400
Key Features
• “Type 2 Reverse” — subtle design variation in lettering and torch
• Perfect PR70 grade, meaning zero visible flaws
• Clad composition (2.27g), not silver
⚡ Just one tiny imperfection can drop the value dramatically — only a handful have ever achieved PR70.
🥉 3. 1999-D Regular Strike Dime (MS65)
💸 Auction Price: $14,375
This modern dime shocked collectors when it sold for over $14k.
What to Look For
• Strong, bold “D” mint mark
• Full strike on flames and torch detailing
• Smooth, lustrous fields with no major marks
👀 Mystery: Some collectors believe it was part of a small experimental strike or a limited souvenir production run.
🔍 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check Your Dimes for Hidden Value
1️⃣ Check the Mint Mark
Look just above the torch on the reverse or near the portrait on the obverse:
• S = San Francisco (proof only)
• D = Denver (valuable modern varieties possible)
• No Mint Mark = Philadelphia
2️⃣ Inspect the Finish
Use a magnifier:
• Proof dimes: mirror-like surfaces, frosted portrait
• Circulated dimes: duller fields and less detail
Proofs are almost always found in proof sets, not pocket change — but misplaced sets show up in old boxes, estates, and flea markets.
3️⃣ Check Weight and Metal Type
| Type | Years | Weight | Metal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Roosevelt Dimes | 1946–1964 | 2.5g | 90% silver |
| Clad Roosevelt Dimes | 1965–Present | 2.27g | Copper-nickel |
⚖️ Use a digital jewelry scale — even 0.2g difference can indicate a rare variety.
💼 Where to Sell a Rare Roosevelt Dime (For Maximum Value)
🏛️ Step 1: Get It Graded
For coins worth more than $1,000, certification is essential.
Recommended services:
• PCGS
• NGC
Certified coins sell for 2–3× more than ungraded coins.
💸 Step 2: Choose the Right Market
• Heritage Auctions → Best for PR68+ proofs and rare varieties
• Stack’s Bowers → High-end collectors & specialized sales
• eBay → Good for lower-value or uncertified coins (< $5,000)
🧠 Quick Summary
• Roosevelt dimes can be worth $8,400–$23,500
• Look for proofs, deep cameo mirrors, high grades, and mint mark variations
• Silver dimes (1946–1964) weigh 2.5g
• Proper grading doubles or triples the value
Your next life-changing coin might be sitting in your pocket right now.
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